Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of quantitative relationships. Major branches include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and statistics. Math majors develop the ability to explore, conjecture, and reason as well as use math to solve complex problems. Cottey alumnae have been successful in diverse areas including actuarial science, chemical engineering, dentistry, mathematics, meteorology, operations research, physical therapy, veterinary medicine and science/math teaching.

Cottey's mathematics program provides math courses which meet the needs of students with many levels of ability and a variety of interests.

Students wishing to pursue majors in mathematics or in fields which require a foundation in mathematics (chemistry, engineering, economics, computer science, etc.) may select courses which prepare them for more advanced work in such majors. Courses transfer easily to four-year schools and Cottey alumnae have been successful in diverse areas including actuarial science, chemical engineering, dentistry, mathematics, meteorology, operations research, physical therapy, veterinary medicine and science/math teaching.

The study of mathematics contributes to the College's goals that students develop their capacity to use quantitative reasoning and analysis, and to process and use information and ideas logically, critically, and perceptively. The completion of at least one mathematics course is required to earn an associate's degree, and students may elect additional courses to enrich their general education. Courses available to meet the core requirement range in difficulty from College Algebra through the calculus sequence. An elementary statistics course will introduce students to collecting, analyzing and interpreting data-valuable knowledge in today's society. Students needing additional assistance in math will find courses that allow development of the skills necessary for success in the future.

Instruction in Cottey's mathematics courses is provided by experienced faculty members for whom teaching is a full-time responsibility. Class sizes of 12-22 in lower-level courses allow them to become familiar with individual students' strengths and weaknesses. Students and faculty may develop close working relationships in second-year courses, where classes are even smaller. Outside of class, the instructors are regularly available to work with students individually to help them learn course material.

Career Opportunities

The study of mathematics is excellent preparation for a host of employment opportunities in areas of business, finance, insurance, communications, electronics, science, computers, medicine, and law.

The majority of math majors work in the private, for-profit sector of the economy, and many find themselves in the corporate or business world. The other major career area for math majors is in education.

Of those students who graduate with a major in Mathematics, almost half of them will earn a postgraduate degree in general mathematics, computer science, or education. Of those earning a professional degree, they are typically concentrated in medicine or law.

Employment opportunities are very strong for math majors and they are often given preferential treatment in employment and graduate school admission over other majors.

Internship and Directed Study Opportunities

As a mathematics major, your chances to gain real world learning experiences through internships and directed studies are very important.

Students at Cottey College participate in internships throughout the year with a variety of businesses, organizations, and non-profit agencies. A successful internship provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace.

Employers and graduate schools agree that students who have put classroom concepts and skills to work in a "real world" environment are more realistic and productive than those who have not.

With the assistance of faculty and the transfer and career planning coordinator, mathematics majors can find a variety of local and national internship experiences.

Opportunities exist locally to intern with the Nevada Veterinary Clinic, County Health Dept. as well as various health care facilities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Directed study opportunities are available in all disciplines. Under the supervision of faculty, students can pursue academic credit on a topic or project that is related to, but beyond the scope of, regular course offerings.

Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and your resume at the same time? Then get involved at Cottey College and in the Nevada community.

Cottey College has more than 35 student clubs and organizations in which to be involved. Plus, the Nevada and surrounding community offer an abundance of service opportunities.

Here are a few activities on campus you might consider pursuing as a mathematics major: Cottey Computer Club (CCC), Cottey Big Sisters which provides volunteer experiences working with area youth, AIDS Activists Coming Together (AACT) to educate themselves and others about AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention.

Activities off campus include: volunteering at the YMCA, Nevada Veterinary Clinic, or with the Chamber of Commerce.

4-Semester Sample Schedule

Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific requirements in their major. This suggested schedule is designed to provide the Associate in Arts degree candidate with the appropriate Cottey College core curriculum and enough coursework in their field to complete the 62 hours required for an A.A. degree. Schedules may vary based on available classes and interests.

First Year Fall Semester

Credit Hrs.

ENG101 English Composition I

3

MAT103 College Algebra or higher MAT201 Calculus I**

4

*CSC 110 computer science

3

ECO, HIS, or POL

3

Electives

3

First Year Spring Semester

Credit Hrs.

ENG102 English Composition II

3

*MAT202 Calculus II

4

Social Science

3

Physical Activity

1

Electives

3 or 4

Second Year Fall Semester

Credit Hrs.

Humanities

3

2nd sci or math MAT203 Calculus III

4

Lab Science

4 or 5

Electives

3

Physical Activity

1

Second Year Spring Semester

Credit Hrs.

Fine arts theory

3

*MAT 204 Differential Equations

3

*Lab Science

4

Electives

7

* Courses recommended for major

** A student who is not prepared to enroll in Calculus I should plan one of the following math sequences, based on her current level of preparation.

MAT120 Precalculus

MAT103 College Algebra

MAT101 Intermediate Alg.

MAT201 Calculus I

MAT104 Trigonometry

MAT103 and MAT 104

MAT202 Calculus II

MAT201 Calculus I

MAT201 Calculus I

MAT203 Calculus III

MAT202 Calculus II

MAT202 Calculus II

OTHER RELEVANT COURSES ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS ELECTIVES:

CSC any course with CSC 110 as prerequisite

PHY201General Physics I (also PHY202)

Faculty Advising

Preparing a class schedule, investigating majors, and researching transfer institutions can be confusing for a firstyear student. At Cottey College, academic advising assists the individual student in clarifying and achieving her educational goals.

Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an academic advisor. Together the advisor and student devise a balanced academic program, which encompasses the student's educational and career ambitions. The advisor reviews all registration decisions, the advisee's academic progress, and suggests transfer and career options.

This personalized approach to student advising allows the student to take responsibility for her own academic program, while tapping into faculty expertise.

MAT 120 Pre Calculus 1 (f) Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra OR MAT 101 Intermediate Algebra

Two years of high school algebra OR MAT 101

Intermediate Algebra

Preparation for study of calculus, including linear functions, polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and introductory trigonometry. Not open to students with credit in MAT 103 or MAT 104. 4 credits

Mathematics is the study of measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. Mathematics is both a discipline and a tool used extensively in the sciences, medicine, engineering, and industry. Math majors develop the ability to explore, conjecture, and reason logically, as well as use mathematical methods to solve problems. Theoretical mathematicians develop new principles or new relationships between existing math principles without consideration to practical uses. Applied mathematicians typically use theories and techniques in the application of mathematical knowledge to other domains.

Is This Major For You?

You might like this major if you also like: solving puzzles; intellectual challenges; art as it relates to shape, balance, and design; precise and succinct writing; philosophy

Consider this major if you are good at: attention to detail; creativity; critical reading/thinking; observing; math; quantitative analysis; spatial reasoning

Employment Settings

Colleges and universities

CPA, insurance, financial firms

Manufacturing firms

Wholesale and retail trade firms

Federal agencies

Banks and brokerage firms

Computer hardware and software firms

Sample Occupations

Software Developer

Engineer

Statistician

Computer Programmer

Investment Analyst

Cartographer

Actuary

Educator

Academic Assistance Center Resources

Great Jobs for Math MajorsCareers for Number Crunchers and OtherQuantitative TypesCareers in ComputersOpportunities in Engineering CareersCareers in InsuranceOpportunities in Financial Careers100 Jobs in Technology